My older grandson (14) has always liked trains. Thomas, Geo Trax, Lego and now Lionel O gauge. Videos, books or actual trains, he liked them all.
My younger grandson (5) never got into the Thomas - trains or videos - dabbles with the Geo Trax, and is pretty much uninterested in O Gauge.
So I was very surprised when he saw an ad on the back page of "that other train magazine" featuring Chuggington trains by Williams. "Can I have this" he asked, "and my own track?" Wow! He's interested in O gauge!
Then I saw the fine print - Limited edition - 480 to be made. $349 list. Cars $69 to $99 each list. Three hundred to be made of some, 480 of others.
I hate to disappoint the little guy, but that's a lot of money for a train for a 5 year old. Even at street prices I'm guessing about $450 plus for a loco and 4 cars.
Everyone has a right to make a profit, and I'm sure the licensing fees add to the cost. i just hope my little guy isn't too disappointed.